A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 18: 1-8

Jesus told his disciples a parable

about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

He said, "There was a judge in a certain town

who neither feared God nor respected any human being.

And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,

'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.'

For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,

'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,

because this widow keeps bothering me

I shall deliver a just decision for her

lest she finally come and strike me.'"

The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.

Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones

who call out to him day and night?

Will he be slow to answer them?

I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.

But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

REFLECTION:

The widow in the story seems desperate. The conflict is detrimental to her livelihood, so she will not give up no matter what it costs her. It seems she has everything to lose. What desperate situation is in our lives that we are motivated to pray for to God?

Trials will come and go and justice is important in this world. However, true justice is giving to God what is due God. The condition of our soul should be the focus for our daily prayers. Our conscience leads us to the way we live. Through prayer, our conscience can be moved by a spirit of love and peace to do the will of God. This willingness to love and the presence of peace leads us to a life dedicated to our Lord. Our souls belong to God. Are we giving ourselves to God with the same persistence and passion as the widow was searching for justice?

How desperate are you to be one with God and answer God’s call for justice. Pray unceasingly and give to God what is due God. Give God justice.